Reactive Harvesting of Spruce Affected by Ips Typopraphus in West Sussex

Ian Bromley, Euroforest’s Area Manager for Kent and Sussex has been undertaking reactive felling works to remove Spruce affected by Ips Typographus.  Below Ian gives an insight into the operations which took place in West Sussex.

“Following a site inspection by Forestry Commission Plant Health, two Forestry England sites received Statutory Plant Health Notices (SPHN) ordering the removal of spruce trees affected by the beetle Ips Typographus. Infected sites like these are justifiably given immediate attention, especially during the flight season, and the SPHN deadline reflected this. Euroforest was tasked with tackling the two sites and removing all spruce material ready for chipping and subsequent incineration. It took some coordination of available contracting resource and good timing, but the work was completed within the day.

“As with all successful projects, this work relied on trusted contractors coming together at the right time. Tim Hicks of RAC Forestry, and Scott Spencer of SS Forestry provided the harvesting ability; Jim Booth carried out the forwarding; and JR Tetley Haulage carried out the low-loader work (of which there was plenty)– many thanks to all involved!”